Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector-General Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz left Dhahran today after a visit to the Eastern Province. At the Raka Convention Center yesterday he received an award from the Arab-European Cooperation Center for his work for the environment and his constant pursuit of world peace. He is the third to receive the award, the others being Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and French President Jacques Chirac. Speaking on the occasion, Prince Sultan urged Arab and European countries to cooperate in protecting the environment as well as in promoting science and technology, and pointed out that peace is an essential element in attaining development and progress. The Center is a non-governmental organization established in Germany with the aim of realizing better understanding between Arab and European countries. It also extends consultative services in science, technology and the environment.

During his visit to the Eastern Province, Prince Sultan inaugurated a number of projects, including hospitals in Qatif and Hofuf, and the first phase of the Central Laboratories in Dammam for Environmental Studies, affiliated to the Meteorology and Environmental Protection Agency (MEPA).

Last week, Prince Sultan visited Tabuk, where he addressed members of the provincial council and local councils at the new municipal headquarters. He commented on the admirable procedure whereby these councils keep the Governor informed of all matters in the province, and reiterated that the government is fully supportive of what they do, and that they are given wide authority and accountability. He described the upcoming election process for municipal councils as a practical step, which will benefit the province and all its citizens. During his visit to Tabuk Province, Prince Sultan visited a number of projects, including one for charitable housing which within two years will have provided one thousand units to those in need.